der  Zuspruch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsuːʃpʁʊx/

🗣️ Defining 'der Zuspruch'

Der Zuspruch is a masculine noun with two main meanings:

1. Encouragement, comfort, affirmation, or approval: Often expressed through words. It's the act or result of speaking kindly to someone, supporting them, or giving them courage.
   Example: Nach dem Misserfolg brauchte sie dringend den Zuspruch ihrer Freunde. (After the failure, she urgently needed her friends' encouragement.)
2. Appeal, positive reception, popularity, or demand: When an idea, product, event, or person is well-received and finds support or interest.
   Example: Die neue Ausstellung fand großen Zuspruch beim Publikum. (The new exhibition met with great approval/appeal from the public.)

⚠️ Important: Although both meanings are positive, the first relates more to interpersonal support, and the second to public or general acceptance.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🔍 Grammar Deep Dive: Declining 'der Zuspruch'

Der Zuspruch is a masculine noun. The plural (die Zusprüche) is rarely used and usually refers to individual acts of encouragement (meaning 1).

Singular Declension

Plural Declension (rare)

📝 Example Sentences

• Der Redner erhielt viel Zuspruch für seine mutigen Worte.
  (The speaker received much approval/encouragement for his courageous words.)
• Dank des Zuspruchs seiner Familie gab er nicht auf.
  (Thanks to his family's encouragement, he didn't give up.)
• Die Idee fand bei den Investoren sofort Zuspruch.
  (The idea immediately found appeal/favour with the investors.)
• Sie hörte auf den Zuspruch ihrer Mentorin.
  (She listened to her mentor's encouragement.)

💬 When to Use 'Zuspruch'

Der Zuspruch is used in various contexts:

• In personal life: When talking about encouragement, comfort, or emotional support. Common phrases include "jemandem Zuspruch geben/spenden" (to give someone encouragement) or "Zuspruch brauchen/finden/erhalten" (to need/find/receive encouragement).
• In public or economic contexts: When discussing the positive response or acceptance of products, ideas, events, or people. Typical phrases are "(großen/wenig/keinen) Zuspruch finden/genießen" (to find/enjoy (great/little/no) appeal/popularity).

Comparison with similar words:

• Ermutigung (encouragement): Very similar to the first meaning of Zuspruch, perhaps slightly more active ('to give courage').
• Unterstützung (support): Can also be material or practical, whereas Zuspruch is more verbal or emotional.
• Anklang/Resonanz (appeal/resonance): Similar to the second meaning, describes positive reception.
• Beifall/Applaus (applause): A specific, often audible form of approval or Zuspruch, usually for performances or speeches.

You often use Zuspruch to express a form of positive affirmation or empathy that goes beyond mere praise and often has a supportive or validating component.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Zuspruch'

1. Article Mnemonic (der): Think of 'der Spruch' (the saying/motto). A good saying can be a form of Zuspruch. Since 'Spruch' is masculine ('der Spruch'), 'Zuspruch' is also masculine (der Zuspruch).
2. Meaning Mnemonic (Encouragement/Appeal): Imagine someone 'speaks to you' (Zu-spruch) to give you courage (encouragement). Or imagine a good idea 'speaking to you' (Zu-spruch) and you liking it (appeal). The 'Zu-' prefix signals a positive direction or addition.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Zuspruch

🚨 Confusing Words

• Anspruch (der): Means a claim or entitlement. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
• Ausspruch (der): Means a saying, utterance, or quote.
• Widerspruch (der): Means contradiction or objection.

😂 A Little 'Zuspruch' Joke

Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir einen Satz mit 'Zuspruch' bilden?"
Fritzchen: "Klar! Wenn Mama kocht, rufe ich immer laut: 'Mama, zucker und Spruch bitte!' – sie braucht nämlich immer etwas Zuspruch beim Würzen."

Translation:

Teacher: "Fritzie, can you make a sentence with 'Zuspruch'?"
Fritzie: "Sure! When Mom cooks, I always shout: 'Mom, sugar and a saying (Spruch), please!' – you see, she always needs some Zuspruch (encouragement / 'sugar-saying') with the seasoning."

(A little pun, not entirely accurate, but hopefully amusing!)

🎵 'Zuspruch' in Verse

Ein leises Wort, ein warmer Blick,
bringt oft verlornes Glück zurück.
Der Zuspruch, sanft und klar,
macht Mut und Stärke wahr.

Ein Plan, 'ne Show, ein neues Lied,
find't's Anklang, ist's beliebt?
Der Zuspruch zeigt sodann,
ob's gut beim Publikum kam an.

Translation:

A quiet word, a warm glance,
often brings back lost chance (happiness).
Encouragement (Der Zuspruch), gentle and clear,
makes courage and strength appear.

A plan, a show, a new song,
does it resonate, is it popular for long?
The appeal (Der Zuspruch) then shows,
if it's well-received by the audience, how it goes.

❓ Riddle Me This: 'Zuspruch'

Ich kann trösten, ohne zu berühren,
und eine Idee zum Erfolg führen.
Manchmal flüstere ich, manchmal applaudiere ich laut,
hab auf Zustimmung und Anklang gebaut.
Man gibt mich und man findet mich auch,
im Freundeskreis und im Verkaufsbauch.
Wer bin ich, gesprochen mit Gönnermiene?

Translation:

I can comfort without touching,
and lead an idea to success, achieving much.
Sometimes I whisper, sometimes I applaud aloud,
built on approval and appeal from the crowd.
You give me and you find me too,
among friends and in sales, it's true.
Who am I, spoken with a supportive mien?

Solution: Der Zuspruch (encouragement/appeal)

🧩 Extra Facts about 'Zuspruch'

Word Composition

Der Zuspruch is composed of the prefix zu- and the noun der Spruch (from the verb sprechen - to speak).

• zu- here expresses direction towards, agreement, or addition.
• Spruch/sprechen refers to what is said or uttered.

The original meaning is literally "speaking to" someone or something in a positive way, whether it's encouragement or approval.

Cultural Note

In German culture, genuine Zuspruch (sincere encouragement/support) is often highly valued, perhaps sometimes more than effusive praise. It signals honest empathy and backing.